Chapter 83: A Mission Into the Unknown
The war room beneath Eldoria Academy was unlike any other place in the empire.
Massive mana-infused maps covered the walls, shifting and changing as new information flowed in. A large round table sat at the center, surrounded by the most powerful figures of Eldoria.
Headmaster Varian stood at the head of the table, his golden eyes flickering with cold intensity.
Across from him, the Top 10 stood in their formal combat attire, their expressions ranging from determined to uneasy.
The room was silent.
Then, Varian spoke.
"Xelthar knows we're coming."
A single sentence.
But it was enough to shift the atmosphere.
Mira's hands tightened into fists.
Selene narrowed her eyes.
Cassian sighed. "Of course they do. Wouldn't be fun otherwise."
Varian continued.
"We intercepted an encrypted transmission from Xelthar operatives two days ago. Their forces in Nyx are not just conducting mana beast experiments. They are waiting for something—or someone."
Kael exhaled. "Us."
"Exactly," Varian confirmed.
Varian waved his hand, and a holographic projection of the Ruined City emerged above the table.
Once, Nyx had been a flourishing city-state—a major center for mana research.
Now?
It was a corpse of a city.
Crumbling towers. Collapsed streets. Entire districts swallowed by nature.
But worst of all?
Mana beasts infested the ruins.
"Satellite mana scans indicate multiple Alpha-Class Beasts in the area," Varian stated. "But what's more concerning…"
The map shifted, revealing a hidden underground network beneath the ruins.
"A Calamity-Class Beast is in hibernation below the city. If it wakes, Nyx could become a war zone beyond our control."
The room grew colder.
Lucian's golden eyes gleamed. "Then we don't let it wake."
"Correct," Varian said. "Your mission is to identify Xelthar's activities, eliminate key operatives, and report your findings. Do not engage the Calamity-Class Beast unless absolutely necessary."
Evelyne scoffed. "I feel like we've heard that before."
The Headmaster's expression did not change.
"And yet, here you are," he replied.
Varian's golden gaze hardened.
"But there's more."
The holographic projection shifted again, showing ten figures cloaked in shadow.
"Xelthar has deployed a special unit to the city," he said. "We don't know their names, their abilities, or even their full numbers. But we do know one thing—they are waiting for you."
Silence.
Mira inhaled sharply. "Assassins."
Kael's grip on his sword tightened.
Lucian exhaled through his nose. "Then we kill them first."
Varian nodded. "That would be wise."
Cassian leaned back, arms crossed. "Oh, this is going to be a disaster."
Darius muttered, "For them or us?"
Cassian smirked. "Guess we'll find out."
Final Preparations – No Turning Back
"You leave at dawn," Varian stated.
He raised his hand, and ten mana-infused sigils appeared before them.
"These are your identification runes. Once activated, they will allow you to move through Eldoria's restricted zones and communicate with headquarters. Do not lose them."
The Top 10 each took one.
Then—Varian turned to Kael.
"You will lead this operation."
Kael blinked. "Me?"
"Yes," the Headmaster confirmed. "Lucian and Selene will act as your strategic supports, but you will give the final orders."
Kael hesitated. Why him?
Varian's eyes softened slightly. "Because you don't fight for status, Kael. You fight to survive."
A moment of silence passed.
Then Kael nodded. "Understood."
Varian turned back to the group.
"This is no longer an academy exercise," he warned.
"This is war."
"Prepare accordingly."